About the Model:

Here is a model of the famous 1910 Model T Ford, affectionately known by all as a “ Tin Lizzie “.  Thousands upon thousands of Model T’s and variants were produced between 1908 and 1927.

The Meccano model was described by “ Spanner “ in the September 1969 Meccano Magazine, however, a few changes have been made to the running gear as follows:-

Instead of a Power Drive Unit ( PDU ) a smaller modern “ MO “  electric motor is coupled by a gear train to a centrifugal clutch which in turn is coupled to a two speed and reverse gearbox via some ( the late ) Tony Bolton gears.

The real model “ T “ had a two speed and reverse epicycle gearbox and selection of forward-neutral-reverse was by operating a third pedal in between the clutch and brake pedals, hence the gearbox in the model is controlled via a third/middle pedal.

The rear axle assembly has a fully working differential and brakes and is connected to the chassis via a transverse springs.  The brakes can be operated from the foot pedal or the hand brake lever.

The cabin steering wheel is connected to the front wheels via bevel gears and linkages and a transverse front spring is also employed.

The centrifugal clutch allows a very life like mode of operation, from a typical “ ticking over “ sound at idle, then a very smooth
“ take off “ as the motor revs are increased